A Mansfield sports project set up to get more people active is among over 40 projects to secure a share in £8.2 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England. The Mansfield Community Sports Project will receive £185,514 of National Lottery funding to increase the number people engaged in sports and physical activity across Mansfield over the next three years.

The fund is designed to encourage people to give sport a go and empower local communities to reach out to people, who for one reason or another don’t exercise.

The Mansfield District Leisure Trust plans to use the funding to appoint two full-time Sports Activators/Health Coaches. They will coordinate efforts between sports facilities across Mansfield, including parks owned by Mansfield District Council as well as open and community spaces.

The Sports Activators/Health Coaches will organise informal beginners’ sessions in a range of different sports such as Netball, Football, Tennis, family and disability multisport’s and more, to try and encourage more people to participate in physical activity. The trust is also working with Reach Learning Disability to provide sports sessions and a sports club for adults with learning disabilities.

Announcing the funding, Sport England Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said: “It’s great to be working with innovative projects like The Mansfield Community Sports Project which offer more people the chance to get active in a way that suits them best. Given the overwhelming benefits of being active, it’s important that age, gender, or income never prevents anyone from taking part.”

Mansfield District Leisure Trust Chairman, Brian Taylor, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this Sport England funding. Being active is really important for a healthy mind and body, as well as being lots of fun, thanks to this funding more locals can reap the reward.”

Cllr Andrew Tristram, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Mansfield District Council, said: “This is another example of the great work undertaken by MDLT to encourage active lifestyles. The council looks forward to working with our leisure provider to maximise the benefits of the Sport England funding for our community.”

Julia Sandhu, Funding Director at Reach UK said: “Our clients tell us they want to get fitter but many have had very negative experiences of doing sport or using local facilities. Adults with learning disabilities in Mansfield are at especially high risk of poor health partly due to very low levels of activity. This project will create new opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to enjoy sport that is genuinely shaped around their needs, interests and talents.”

Many more communities are set to benefit from the hugely popular fund with the latest round of the Inspired Facilities now open. Community and voluntary organisations, councils and schools can bid for a share of £20 million to help upgrade facilities that can be unattractive, expensive to run and difficult to maintain, and to convert existing non-sporting buildings into venues that are suitable for grassroots sport.

Applying for funding has never been easier. Based on feedback from previous applicants, the Inspired Facilities Fund is now an open programme which means projects can submit applications as soon as they are ready rather than being restricted by a specific deadline. To find out more and bid, visit www.sportengland.org/inspiredfacilities

August 2015

National Fitness Day - Wednesday 9th September 2015

National Fitness Day is the biggest and most visible annual celebration of physical activity of the year. It is the day to celebrate the role that physical activity plays across the UK - come and join us!

Come and join in for Free and Try out our new Express classes. They are high-energy, total body workout that focuses on every muscle group at an intensity that will improve your cardiovascualar strength and endurance. Then why not stay on and enjoy out Abs class straight afterwards: A great core workout using all your abdoinal muscles.

Express 18:00 - 18:30Abs: 18:30 - 19:00

April 2015

Enhancements to Slide Operations

In order to ramp up your enjoyment levels on the White and Red Slide we will now be running them alternatively at 30min intervals during full service operation:

Day

Red Slide

White Slide

Monday

17:30 - 18:00 & 18:30 - 19:00

All Other Times

Tuesday

17:30 - 18:00 & 18:30 - 19:00

Wednesday

18:30 - 19:00; 19:30 - 20:00 & 20:30 - 21:00

Thursday

17:30 - 18:00 & 18:30 - 19:00

Friday

18:30 - 19:00; 19:30 - 20:00 & 20:30 - 21:00

The yellow slide and waves are still available during these times

This will mean you will shoot down the white slide faster than ever before so hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

We are still offering you a full service with all the flumes and waves for you to enjoy during your visit at varying times.

March 2015

Customer notice

From the week beginning March 23rd,there will be some big changes at Water Meadows as we continue to improve our service to our customers:

The gym will be having a mini face-lift as we replace key areas of carpet and flooring that was previously damaged during the heavy rains; this along with the repairs to the roof a few months ago and the new ‘discovery workout kit should provide a real boost to this area – if you have not tried out our new discovery kit why not give it a go; ask a team member for advice and you too can workout across the world.

The leisure pool will see a big change to our white mighty falling rapids ride as we make improvements to the structure so you will have an even better time than before.

These improvements should be completed within the week and should not affect any sessions open to the public.

Why not come along and experience the improvements

Water meadows – drenched in fun!

Mansfield Sports Recognition Awards 2014

A total of 11 awards are up for grabs at this year's presentation evening, which will take place on Monday 8 December at John Fretwell Sporting Complex, Sookholme, Mansfield, from 7pm to 9pm. For the first time, the Junior sportsperson ofthe year award has been split into two age categories due to the large number of high quality entries in previous years. Awards for those aged under 15 and those aged 15 to 17 will enable more young people to have their achievements recognised. We're looking for nominations for achievements between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2014 in the followingcategories:

Junior team of the year

Junior sportsperson of the year – under 15 years

Junior sportsperson of the year – 15 to 17 years

Junior sports leader of the year

Junior disabled sportsperson of the year

Club of the year

Disabled sportsperson of the year

Sportsperson of the year

Coach of the year

Team of the year

Volunteer of the year (this also includes referees, officials, administrators etc)

All nominees receive a certificate in recognition of their contribution to the great sporting heritage in Mansfield District.

Entry forms are available from sports clubs and leisure centres across the District, or by contacting Sports Facilitator Martin Cook at the District Council on 01623 463 026 or mcook@mansfield.gov.uk.

Alternatively, you can fill in a nomination form online at www.mansfield.gov.uk/nominate. Nominees must either live or pursue their sport within the Mansfield District. A photograph of the nominee/s should be sent via email to mcook@mansfield.gov.uk for use at the awards presentation event. The deadline for nominations is Friday 14 November 2014.

Tickets for the awards ceremony are £5 for adults and £2.50 for juniors and are available by contacting Martin Cook

Calling all 14 - 19 year olds!

Get 3 Months Membership from just £19.95

In support of Sport England’s ‘Sportivate’ programme, Mansfield District Leisure Trust are offering a 3 month membership for 14 – 19 year olds from just £19.95!

This all-inclusive membership includes access to the gym, swimming pool, workout classes and health suite.

To get this fantastic offer, simply sign up by 31st December and pay £19.95 for your first month. If you commit to five fitness sessions within that first month you’ll then receive the following 2 months absolutely FREE!

Terms & Conditions apply. Offer is available to the first 150 members only - contact us now on 0345 000 0231!

MDLT morns the passing of former colleague

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved former colleague, Ian Bagshaw who died on the 16th May 2014 after a short illness.

Ian was the facility manager at Water Meadows who worked with the team at Mansfield District Leisure Trust, and prior to this, with Mansfield District Council.His dedication and approachable manner ensured that he was well respected and befriended by all who knew him. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time.

A condolence book is available at Water Meadows reception for anyone wishing to pay their respects.

February 2014

New changing rooms officially opened at Water Meadows

New changing facilities at Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex, Mansfield, were officially opened today (10 February) after a massive refurbishment.

As part of a £400k project, the former cafe area has been transformed into a family changing area, increasing the number of family changing units from seven to ten.

The existing changing area was revamped with the number of private double cubicles increased from six to 31 and the changing rooms for people with disabilities increased from one to two. There were also improvements to showers, toilet facilities and replacement ceilings and lighting.

Read More...

The project was funded by a £195,850 grant of National Lottery funding from Sport England, with the remaining costs paid by Mansfield District Council and Mansfield District Leisure Trust.Representatives from Sport England and Mansfield District Leisure Trust, which operates the District’s leisure centres on behalf of the Council, and managing agent Serco Leisure joined Councillors to unveil a plaque marking the completion of improvements.

Water Meadows attracts a range of users including families, young children learning to swim, recreational and fitness swimmers, swimming club members and performance athletes training with the Nova Centurion Swimming Club.

The improved changing facilities will enable more people to use the complex, particularly families.Cllr Philip Shields, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "In these days of savings and efficiencies it is fantastic that through working in partnership we are able to further enhance the leisure experience offered at Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex. I believe leisure facilities are extremely important for the District’s residents. These improvements show our commitment to continuing to improve the quality of leisure provision across the District and help people live a healthier and more active lifestyle within a family-friendly environment."

Charles Johnston, Sport England Property Director, said: “Good sports facilities play an important role in local communities; they not only improve people’s sporting experience but also help attract new participants. The new changing facilities at Water Meadows will do just this and will be enjoyed by the people of Mansfield for years to come.” Brian Taylor, Chairman of the Mansfield District Leisure Trust, said: "Working with a number of organisations including the District Council and our managing agent Serco Leisure, the Trust’s mission is to provide active and healthy lifestyles for all, in a safe, warm, clean, friendly, fun environment for the local Mansfield community, at an affordable cost. The new changing facilities are just one of the developments planned at the centres and will ensure an improved and enhanced customer experience at Water Meadows, in turn making it an exciting place to visit for all ages and abilities.

January 2014

Water Meadows Job Vacancy: Leisure Assistant

We are currently recruiting for Leisure Assistants for Water Meadows Leisure Centre.

The Leisure Assistant`s role is to work within the centre ensuring customer safety and high standards of service and customer care at all times.

Facilities are 'hotting up' at Oak Tree Leisure Centre

Following joint investment from the Trust and the Council, Oak Tree Leisure Centre now offers a new sauna cabin with additional seating capacity, new relaxation furniture, coloured mood lighting, and soothing background music. These welcome additions will complement the existing large steam room, a powerful 'needle shower', hot/cold shower, lockers and water fountains, providing a complete relaxation space for customers to use before and after their workout class or gym session at the centre.

Swimming Gala: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th November

Please note that we have a Swimming Gala on the weekend of 16th & 17th November. All pools will be closed, but the rest of the facility such as the gym will be open as normal.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

September 2013

Calling all 16 - 19 year olds in Mansfield

No monthly fees! No fixed contract! No fuss! 3 MONTHS MEMBERSHIP for just £19.95! Enjoy full access to all 5 of our Leisure Centres, including the use of Fitness Suites, Swimming Pools, Health Suites & Classes! To take advantage of this amazing offer, attend any of our fantastic facilities for just five fitness sessions in the first month and get 2 months absolutely FREE*

Offer available to the first 150 members only.

*Terms and Conditions

Must be aged between 16-19 and proof of age required

Must complete a separate Sportivate application form for Sport England to receive the free months.

Must visit Mansfield District Leisure Trust facilities 5 times in the first month to receive 2 months free. Membership will cease after the first month if 5 visits are not completed.

Changing Room refurbishment at Water Meadows

The changing rooms at the Water Meadows Swimming Complex are set for a massive refurbishment, thanks to a £195,850 improvement grant from Sport England.

The grant will be used to upgrade and modernise existing changing facilities, as well as increasing the amount of changing units, which is currently inadequate for the number of customers using the facilities.

The number of family changing units will increase from seven to ten; private double cubicles will increase from six to thirty-one and disabled changing units will increase from one to two. There will also be improvements to showers, toilet facilities and replacement ceilings and lighting.

Mansfield District Leisure Trust

The Mansfield District Leisure Trust, an IPS (Industrial Providence Society) exempt charity was formed to manage the five leisure centres in the District – Meden Sports Centre, Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre, River Maun Recreation Centre and Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex but has wider vision for sport, leisure and community involvement.

Read More...

The Trust exists to provide quality, value for money leisure, sporting and recreational facilities for the local community of Mansfield.

This is underpinned by five key strategic aims:

• Encourage more people to be more active, more often including those in underrepresented groups• Provide a balanced programme of activities reflecting the needs of our different service users• Enhance the existing leisure facilities when opportunities arise• Engage in partnership working to provide opportunities for young people to take part in sporting activities aimed at contributing to the development of a positive lifestyle• Provide opportunities for all adults to maintain active and healthy lifestyles through participation in sports related activity in the Trust’s facilities.

Meet the Board

Mr Brian Taylor – Trust Chairman

Over 40 years in financial, operational and general management and Director of several companies in various industries. He is also Chairman of The South Northamptonshire and Mansfield District Leisure Trusts. He has a passion for sport generally and seeing it develop in the community as well as general community development.

Trustees

Mrs Kay Adlington

Kay has been involved in swimming as a mum of 3 daughters who all used local facilities from beginner to Olympic level. Her interest lay in the development of the community of Mansfield, having lived locally for 25 years.

Mr Geoff Waller

Previously employed by MDC as Director of Leisure and Community Services and member of the Council’s Strategic Management Team. Past Board Member for Sport Nottinghamshire and Chair of the Mansfield CVS. Currently working for and representing the SportsAid Trust in the East Midlands.

Mrs Anna Barrett

Lived in the Mansfield area for 25 years. After a successful career as a nurse working in the NHS. She is an experienced senior manager and has served as a Trustee on the committee of the Queen's Nursing Institute which is a National Nursing Charity.

Mrs Shirley Clarke

A highly skilled professional, with extensive knowledge of Local Government. She has significant experience in strategy development and service improvement.

Mr Colin Huffen

A former international swimmer and part of the Nova Centurion program. Once retired moved to work in further education and since combined the passion for swimming by working for the ASA. He sits on various industry leading boards deciding the future of training in the leisure sector and has been a lifelong resident of Ashfield and latterly Mansfield.

Mr Ian Waller

Sport Operations Manager for Leeds City Council with the responsibility for the delivery and development of sport and active lifestyles in both a leisure centre and community context. He is a member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity and is passionate about both the industry in which he works and sport and health in its widest context.

Mr Colin Clayton

Colin moved to Mansfield in 1975 and has lived there ever since. He was nominated as a Councillor to Mansfield District Council in May 2011 and represents Kingswalk ward. He sits on Select Commission 3 and is the Vice Chairman of both the Audit and Licensing Committees and was elected by the Council to the position on MDLT Board.

The Story So Far and Future Plans

The Trust has been operating the five facilities for almost a year now, during which four key capital investment projects totalling over £500k have been completed across two of the sites.

The Trust has exciting plans ahead, all of which will contribute to the overarching ambition and commitment to the community and district.

Friday 22nd February 2013

Health Suite Maintenance Update

All the small maintenance works have been completed to the health suite.

However, as previously reported, the condition of the large sauna cabin is such that a repair is not possible and would not represent value for money and we have obtained quotations for replacement. However, in light of the significant costs for replacement we are in discussion with Mansfield District Council and are considering a number of options for this area.

Once all the options have been developed a consultation document will be published and we will be asking for feedback on the proposals. It is expected that the consultation document will be published by 10 March.

In the meantime if you have any questions please ask a member of staff.

29th October 2012

Longer opening hours this week at Water Meadows

You will be pleased to know we have opened up our leisure pool for longer this week. Due to the school’s October half terms dates being different across our region we have opened up the Leisure Pool from 10am instead of the normal 12noon for this week 29th October to 2nd November to accommodate the different schools. However the service will be running at a reduced service as normal.

22nd April 2012

Change of telephone numbers

The telephone numbers for Mansfield District Council’s leisure centres are set to change as part of the transfer of the management of the facilities to Mansfield District Leisure Trust via the appointed management agent, Serco Leisure.

The existing numbers will run at the same time as the new numbers, and the existing numbers will be gradually phased out before being turned off altogether on Tuesday 1 May.

The new numbers are:

Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre – 0345 0000 230

Oak Tree Leisure Centre – 0345 0000 231

Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex – 0345 0000 232

River Maun Recreation Centre – 0345 0000 233

Meden Sports Centre – 0345 001 0002

Calls to these numbers will be charged at the standard landline rate. If you have an inclusive call package for calling landline numbers on your mobile or landline telephone there should be no extra charge for you to call these numbers.

The new numbers are being provided ahead of transfer of the management of the facilities to Mansfield District Leisure Trust and services are expected to be handed over on 1 May.

The District Council will still retain ownership of the buildings and will be responsible for major structural liabilities. It will also be accountable for ensuring that the service is delivered to the required quality standards.

22nd April 2012

Change of service delivery

On 1st May 2012, service delivery for this facility will transfer to Mansfield District Leisure Trust, via the appointed managing agent, Serco Leisure.

Serco Leisure has over 20 years experience in the operation of leisure centres and now manage 68 facilities on behalf of 23 Local Authorities, Community Leisure Trusts, Universities and the MOD including:

· 10 facilities in Manchester on behalf of Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust, Wythenshawe Forum Trust, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Manchester· 11 facilities in Bolton on behalf of Bolton Community Leisure Ltd· 6 facilities in West Lancashire on behalf of West Lancashire District Council· 6 facilities in South Ribble on behalf of South Ribble Community Leisure Trust· 1 facility in Maidtone on behalf of Maidstone Borough Council

What changes will there be to services?Positive changes and improvements to look forward to are:

· Facility developments at Water Meadows

- Redevelop the existing reception area to improve the meet and greet/access control and the shop facilities- Add to the existing family experience by providing toddler water play features- Develop the fitness offering to include an additional ‘Performance Training Zone’

· The fitness equipment at both Water Meadows swimming and fitness complex and Oak Tree leisure centre will be replaced with new, using the Life Fitness journey concept, providing equipment for beginners through to advance training options.The existing equipment will be used to enhance the offering at the smaller sites.

· Utilising technology to help drive further service improvements. It is the Trust’s intention to replace the current IT system to combine an easy to use front of house system with the latest online booking functionality and web based information service.

· All computer and telephone systems will be replaced for 1st May 2012. Training and front of house support will be provided to assist staff in the transition period. There may be a short delay at reception, but we will be ensuring that this is kept to a minimum.

· We will be reducing the carbon footprint of the leisure services. At the start of the contract we will utilise thermal imaging technology to identify areas where we can reduce the carbon emissions by improving insulation and training staff in energy reduction and environmental awareness.

· We will review the service with consideration to the proximity of each of the Mansfield District facilities. The Trust will ensure that centres work collectively to provide a network of interlinked facilities for the benefit of the local community i.e. centres will offer complementary programmes working to the strengths of each facility.

· We will be working in partnership with Mansfield District Council. The contract will be operated on a partnership basis with Mansfield District Council jointly reviewing progress against preset targets and continual service improvements during the life of the contract.

17th April 2012

Leisure Centre transfer agreed

Mansfield District Council has today (Tuesday 17 April) confirmed Serco Leisure will manage its leisure centres as Managing Agent to the Mansfield District Leisure Trust, following a comprehensive and highly competitive procurement process.

The 10 year contract to manage Mansfield District’s five leisure centres, which has been agreed today, will begin on the 1 May 2012. The new partnership contract will include further investment in the service to introduce new innovations and programmes in order to maximise the appeal of the leisure centres for both existing and potential users.

Cllr Philip Shields, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Mansfield District Council said: “The decision to look at alternative options for how our leisure centres are operated has not been taken lightly. We have carried out a comprehensive procurement process to ensure the selected provider can enhance our leisure facilities and provide the best value for money for the Council, the service and council tax payers.

“We look forward to working with the Mansfield District Leisure Trust to provide our residents, and those visiting from outside the District, with a quality experience when visiting our leisure centres.”

Serco Leisure is part of the ‘Serco’ Group, a FTSE 100 company with over 20 years experience in providing a comprehensive and high-quality range of health, leisure, fitness, well-being and community-focused services. Serco Leisure currently manages 68 facilities on behalf of 23 clients across the UK with a track record for improving leisure centres through investment in areas such as building infrastructure, new technologies, new marketing tools and environmental efficiencies.

"We're absolutely delighted to have been selected with the Trust as the Council's partner," says Keith Thomas, Managing Director of Serco Leisure. “Our mission in Mansfield is a simple one – provide active and healthy lifestyles for all, in a safe, warm, clean, friendly, fun environment for the local Mansfield community, at an affordable cost. To achieve this and on behalf of the Trust, we will introduce a programme of continuous innovation and improvement to enhance the value of both the facilities and the programmes.”

The partnership agreement will mean that the leisure centres will be managed by Mansfield District Leisure Trust and Serco Leisure will act as the Managing Agent. The Council will still retain ownership of the buildings and be responsible for major structural liabilities. It will also be accountable for ensuring that the service is delivered to the required standard.

The decisions to award the contract to for the management of the leisure centres to Mansfield District Leisure Trust was made by the Head of Regeneration, Leisure and Marketing, Michael Robinson.